@Unhappy Realist: putting to the side the debate about free will and the extent to which it is purely the cause of obesity (some argue than some people are genetically more vulnerable to grow obese than others, as an example). For me I think the most compelling case for enforcing the sale of two seats to obese people is the negative externality that not doing so could produce, IE unduly occupying their neighbouring passengers' space. As anyone to whom this has happened would tell you, there is no such thing as a negligible reduction of personal space in an economy class seat. Surely this is not fair to non-obese people who had actually paid for that space!

Too short? Special treatment. Too tall? Too bad. That's BS. I'm 6'1" and the ATMs are too short, the urinals are too short, all these "comforts" are designed to accommodate the "disadvantaged" who are too short. Meanwhile, I have to bend over to get cash and every urinal splashes back. Good for this guy to call out society for it's insistence that too short is a disability but too tall is just too bad.

There's a factual question that hasn't been adequately answered here. If it is a Qantas policy that people above a certain height are not allowed to sit in regular economy class seats (say, because it is dangerous and exposes the airline to additional liability), then I actually agree with Mr. Menzies. If, on the other hand, the only policy is that exit-row seats cost more, and he has chosen to sit in an exit row seat because that is more comfortable for him, then I'm much less sympathetic (and I think the law would be as well).

"If you fly in a different kind of seat, then expect to pay a different kind of price." Would you extend this analysis to the obese? I agree with the sentiment and I'd be quite happy with the principle of charging obese people for two seats. (Happier than for charging tall people, since obesity *is* the fault of that person.)But I have heard many people say that charging obese passengers extra would be discrimination. What do you think?

I'm 6'6" (2m) tall and a solid 285lb (130kg)......
When I (rarely) take a budget airline for a short hop its hustle/beg/flirt for an exit seat and usually not a problem.

Anywhere else I fly business class...simple.
I fly less often, I take journey's that only need to be taken.....
But just I pay the premium...
Just like I drive a Range Rover and not a cute little economical Japanese car.

I was born with very refined nerves in my buttocks; economy class seats cause me extensive discomfort and only first class cushions can alleviate this. I fully expect airlines to recognize my condition and upgrade me without charge.